Why Diego Leon did not play for Cerro Porteno in season opener, he’s getting help from David Beckham’s nemesis

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Manchester United have one incoming deal signed off this month, a move for a South American sensation.

All documents have been signed for Manchester United to sign Diego Leon from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno.

Leon, who has been compared to Marcelo, is 17 and will officially join the Red Devils in the summer after he turns 18 in April.

The teenager flew to Manchester and was pictured at Old Trafford where he completed a medical, speaking out to express his delight at sealing his dream transfer.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Diego Leon misses Cerro Porteno opener

Diego Leon returned to Paraguay after completing his move to United, where he will remain until United’s season is over.

Cerro Porteno’s league season began on Sunday January 26, and Diego Leon was absent from the matchday squad, despite having 19 senior appearances to his name.

Porteno drew 1-1 against Libertad, with 43-year-old Premier League veteran Roque Santa Cruz scoring for the visitors, the Paraguayan player Sir Alex Ferguson once almost signed for United back in 2008.

The reason Diego Leon missed the game was because he is currently with the Paraguay under-20 squad, where he is competing in the South American championships, aiming to qualify for the World Cup.

He told La Nacion: “Now I am representing our country, which is the most important thing and I feel very proud. This is unique, the truth is that I am going to make the best of it and be able to win the championship.”

Diego Leon coached by Aldo Duscher

Diego Leon’s coach for Paraguay’s under-20s is a hated Manchester United (and England) villain from way back in 2002, Aldo Duscher.

Duscher made the crunching tackle on David Beckham in Manchester United’s Champions League tie with Deportivo La Coruna, that ended his club season and gave him a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Leon explained he is benefitting from Duscher’s coaching, commenting: “He gives me a lot of confidence. He tells me that when I attack, my teammates are there to cover me, that I can go without any problem, but that I can also defend as I go.

“But he tells me to play calmly, to do what I know how to do and that he will be supporting me from the outside.”

Diego Leon started for Paraguay in their opening game last Thursday, during the team’s 2-1 opening win over Chile. He was booked during the game, showing that on one level, Duscher’s input is carrying over.